Art Vietnam Discovery 11 Days

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital, where the charm of its French colonial history mingles seamlessly with the energetic buzz of modern Asia. In this city, you’ll discover a blend of traditional architecture, serene lakes, and the constant movement of countless motorbikes, alongside a thriving cosmopolitan scene with trendy restaurants and boutiques.
You will be met on arrival at Hanoi International Airport with a welcome signboard with your names on it and a private transfer to your selected hotel, allowing you to settle in and start exploring the city at your own pace, either by enjoying the hotel amenities or venturing out for your initial taste of Hanoi’s unique atmosphere.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today, your private guide and driver will take you on a tour of Hanoi’s top attractions, and then explore authentic local cuisine away from the usual tourist spots. Begin your day at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, exploring the Mausoleum and his House on Stilts. Then, stroll through quaint lanes to Huu Tiep Lake and visit a centuries-old temple and the B52 crash site, a historical relic. Explore the Museum of Ethnology before enjoying a traditional Pho noodle soup for lunch and learn about local meal traditions.
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo prison, and enjoy a captivating cyclo ride through the French colonial precinct, passing historic landmarks. Pause at Pho Co Café for Egg coffee with stunning views. Conclude the day with a walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant street food scene. Sample delights like green papaya salad, Banh Mi Pa Te, and the iconic Bun Cha, all while seated on tiny plastic stools in charming back alleys.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, you leave Hanoi for Halong Bay. The journey is through the rich farmlands where you can observe the everyday life of Vietnamese villagers. Arriving in Halong Bay in the late morning you will board a traditional “junk” boat. You will begin a relaxing and unforgettable cruise around the breathtaking and unique limestone karsts and islets. A delicious fresh seafood lunch will be served as you cruise this spectacular bay, a UNESCO-listed site.
Towards the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, dinner is served with fresh seafood, salad, and fruit. You will spend the night in your private cabin aboard the junk in Halong Bay.
Notes: The program may differ slightly based on the junk cruise’s itinerary.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Overnight on cruise.

Begin your day with the serene practice of Tai Chi, a local custom that eases you into the morning. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ on the deck of the Junk boat amidst the exquisite natural surroundings. There’s time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay’s peaceful beaches, and for the more adventurous, take a kayak and paddle through the Dark and Bright Caves, admiring the glistening stone walls.
Return to the junk boat, check out of your cabin, and savor a sumptuous brunch buffet as you cruise back to port. Disembark around midday for your return journey to Hanoi, then our driver will transfer you from inner Hanoi city to the airport for your flight to Hue.
When you arrive at Hue Airport, our representative will take you to the hotel. Relax after the flight and you will have the rest of the day to explore evening Hue which offers a laid-back and authentic Vietnamese experience.

Meals included: Breakfast, Brunch.
Overnight in Hue.

Explore Hue’s serene beauty by embarking on a dragon boat journey along the Perfume River to the Sinh folk painting village. Visit charming spots like Hen Island, Bai Dau wholesale market, and Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village. Discover the ancient houses being restored in Bao Vinh and pedal to Sinh village, renowned for its Dong Ho folk paintings dating back centuries. Learn about this traditional art at artisan Nguyen Huu Phuoc’s house. Experience local life, culture, and ancient architecture as you ride through the village. Explore Thanh Tien’s paper flower gallery, and craft lotus flowers, and visit Tien Non village’s flower and vegetable growers. After a delightful lunch, cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story structure along the river. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Hue as your journey unfolds southward towards Da Nang and Hoi An, a picturesque coastal train that spans approximately three hours. The highlight of the trip is the mesmerizing Hai Van Pass, often referred to as the “Sea Cloudy Pass.” As you ascend to its summit, be prepared to be spellbound by the breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the city of Da Nang sprawled below.
Upon your arrival in Danang, your first pause will be at the Marble Mountain. The journey continues with a visit to the Cham Museum, offering insights into the region’s rich history, followed by a stop at the pristine My Khe Beach, known for its 20-mile stretch of white sandy shores, once home to American GIs during the war.
Continuing your journey by car, you’ll reach Hoian around midday. Here, you’ll check into your boutique resort, conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the enchanting old town. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Explore the charming Old Town with its paper lantern-lined streets and riverside restaurants, or relax at the resort.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hoian.

This morning, join a guided walking tour of the historic town center, exploring former merchants’ houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall, and the bustling market, Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Next, visit the Precious Heritage Museum, housing Rehahn’s Precious Heritage Collection, which offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic tribes.
Afterward, enjoy traditional Vietnamese tea and participate in a lantern-making lesson lasting around 2.5 hours. You can choose between an express class with pre-prepared bamboo sticks or a full class for a hands-on experience in crafting lanterns. Shape them into lotuses, triangles, or diamonds, and select silk styles and colors. An expert English-speaking instructor will assist you throughout.
This family-friendly activity is suitable for children as young as three. Once finished, these foldable lanterns make for a unique and portable souvenir to take home from your Hoian visit.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hoian.

After a delightful stay in Hoi An, you’ll catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you’ll be transported to your hotel, where you can unwind and recharge after your journey. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a dynamic hub of commerce, culture, and history. It offers a captivating blend of the old and the new, with colonial-era architecture juxtaposed against modern skyscrapers.
Ho Chi Minh City’s energetic atmosphere and rich history are sure to leave a lasting impression as you delve into its unique charm. Enjoy your well-deserved relaxation and get ready to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant tapestry.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Today’s art tour offers a unique perspective on Vietnam through the lens of its local artists. It’s a journey shaped by the personal experiences of artists who have studied, lived through, and documented significant changes in Vietnam during the 20th and 21st centuries. This tour isn’t just for art enthusiasts, it’s for anyone eager to delve deeper into Vietnam’s modern and contemporary history.
The tour commences at a café where you’ll receive an introduction to modern Vietnamese history before moving on to a private collection housing colonial-era artworks. Next, we’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum, a remarkable example of Sino-French architecture. Here, you’ll embark on a journey through Vietnam’s 20th-century history, enriched with stories, artworks, and images.
Our final stop is a contemporary art gallery that collaborates with Vietnamese and international artists, shaping the future of Vietnamese art. This insightful experience is highly recommended for a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history and vibrant art scene.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to the outskirts of Saigon to visit the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels.

Originally constructed in 1948 as a refuge from French forces, these tunnels evolved into a complex network of underground hideouts used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Explore these tunnels, which served as living quarters, communication routes, hospitals, and storage for food and weapons.

During the tour you will have a chance to meet a Viet Cong veteran who once lived in these tunnels, gaining valuable insights into their history and the incredible resilience of the Vietnamese during wartime. With your translator-guide’s assistance, listen to the veteran’s firsthand experiences, painting a vivid picture of life in these subterranean hamlets during challenging times. Finish the tunnel tour and return to the city enjoying lunch at a local restaurant en route.

In the afternoon, explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and the adjacent Central Post Office, both rich in architectural beauty and history. Admire the red brick cathedral with twin spires and the 1891 Post Office.

Continue visit the former Presidential Palace, once the Saigon Government headquarters during the American War. Nearby, explore the War Remnants Museum, offering a poignant perspective on the war. (Note: Some exhibits are graphic.)

Experience Saigon’s famous street coffee culture with your guide, who will provide language insights and share the daily life of Saigonese residents.

Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Your remaining time is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Depending on the departure time of your flight, our private driver will be ready to pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the airport for your outbound journey.
As we bid you farewell, we extend our best wishes for a safe and pleasant flight departure. This marks the end of your tour, and we hope you carry the memories of your journey with you for years to come.